Vinyl planks and laminate flooring have both come a long way in the past decade. People used to think of both flooring options as cheap imitations of real wood and something that should be avoided at all costs. However, with technological improvements, both vinyl and laminate flooring have really come into their own and can now stand up as attractive floors for any home.
If you want to know more about vinyl and laminate flooring and figure out which one is right for you, then you are definitely in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of vinyl and laminate flooring together!
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is completely human-made; no trees are involved. There are a few different types of vinyl flooring, although the most common one is called Luxury Vinyl Flooring. It often comes in either planks or tiles, depending on the manufacturer. Other types of vinyl come in long rolls that are easily glued down.
Luxury vinyl flooring imitates the looks of solid hardwood or stone. Manufacturers are even able to emboss the material so that it has a slight texture. There are plenty of styles to choose from, so you're sure to find the right look for your home. It can also be a great option for a place of business since the firmness keeps the floor in great shape, no matter how high the foot traffic tends to be.
The best part about vinyl flooring is the multiple layers of polyurethane that keep your floor looking shiny and new. The aluminum oxide-infused sealant coat and clear vinyl top layer are both invisible above the design layer. But they aren't just there for good looks. They protect your floors from the dents and scratches that daily life brings. Beneath those is a bottom layer made of reinforced PVC core. It's completely waterproof and gives vinyl flooring the hardiness it's so well-known for.
Compared to laminate flooring, one area where vinyl floors stand out is in their water resistance. That's right; vinyl is waterproof. Laminate flooring can handle some occasional accidents, but vinyl flooring is safe for use in bathrooms and mudrooms because the extra protective coats seal out water so well. Luxury vinyl flooring can even be completely soaked in water and then dry out as good as new.
The reason that vinyl can seal out the water so well is that instead of laying planks, opting for a roll of vinyl flooring is a great choice. With no seams to let the moisture seep into, you won't have to worry about anything warping or letting mold creep into your home.
Like laminate flooring, vinyl flooring is relatively affordable. They both usually run you around $3-5 per square foot, so don’t feel the need to choose one over the other based on cost alone.
Installing vinyl flooring is a breeze for someone who has any DIY experience under their toolbelt. Despite vinyl's reputation for being a durable and strong floor, it's surprisingly simple to float it over the concrete substrate, subfloor, or existing floor in the room of your choice. If you're working over concrete, you might need some concrete patcher to repair any holes or indentations so that your new floor will lay smoothly on top.
Vinyl flooring is also very easy to clean since it can be mopped and left to air dry. The floor's waterproof aspect means that it also repels stains from liquids, so you'll mainly be cleaning up dirt and dust. Additionally, getting down there and really scrubbing is an option if you have to, without worrying about hurting the floors.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a combination of a high-density fiberboard core, multiple stabilizing layers underneath, and a strong resin coating to keep out scratches and stains.
Hardwood Bargains offers a variety of laminate flooring with hand-scraped or wire-brushed surfaces, in rich brown and tan color options with many different wood grain patterns. We also offer a 25-year structural warranty, so you never have to worry about something happening to your beautiful floors.
Laminate flooring imitates the look of solid hardwood floors, which means the planks have been engineered to be natural textures of wood with delicate grains in the center. Laminate flooring has a wooden fiber center to make it easier for those searching for hardwood looks without the big price tag. Even so, laminate flooring is no longer just a matter of emulating wood. Nowadays, laminate flooring has also been constructed to appear like tiles and stone flooring.
The combination of layers makes laminate flooring extremely durable. The core sheet, made of fiberboard, allows the board to cope with everyday usury. This core is one of the best options for families with pets and teenagers. It deals so well with high foot traffic that many businesses have laminated floors installed in their offices.
The laminated flooring also has a rear sheet to strengthen the board and its center layer. A third layer is added to the laminated layer by certain suppliers; and underlayment. The underlayment helps connect the laminate to the floor, making it easy for users without the need for a specialist installer to fit the flooring. It’s important to verify that your laminate flooring has an underlay layer if you are an enterprising DIY person and want to install it yourself.
Laminate flooring is water-resistant, but it's important to remember that there's a difference between being water-resistant and waterproof. Waterproof flooring is something that can get completely soaked from excess water without having a problem. Laminate flooring stands up better than most options to an accidental spill, but too much routine moisture, as you would find in a basement or the bathroom, can cause laminate boards to warp and bend.
Laminate floors are also a cost-effective option. It usually costs between $3 and $8 a square foot. If you need to conserve funds to accessorize the rooms or buy some great furniture, you won't have to spend a ton of money on your laminate flooring. For something built for your feet, you don't need to deal with a hefty price tag!
Laminate flooring has a click and lock connection which makes it fantastic for enthusiastic DIYers. The laminate planks are made to click and lock together when they're laid, without any need for messy glue or annoying staples. Simply floating a laminate floor over a subfloor, concrete substrate, or an existing floor is also an option. Floating installation means that there are no nails or staples involved; your floor just stays exactly where you put it.
Laminates require limited cleaning, and it's simple to do. There are plenty of cleaning agents that are specially formulated for laminate flooring. Just ensure that if you use water that you use a small amount and mop it up immediately. That's why laminate is an ideal option for those with busy agendas who cannot waste the whole day scrubbing their floors. You don't have to reapply finishes or wax the floors on a daily basis. With a small amount of work on your part, your floors will continue to look their best day in and day out.
In Summary
Now that you know more about the many varieties of vinyl and laminate flooring, check out our website to see which one can give you the look and feel that your house needs to turn into your dream home. We understand that you live a busy life, and you need floors that can withstand the pressures of life without bankrupting you. Luckily, both of these options can make your house flooring virtually life-proof!
Sources:
Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring Comparison Guide: What's the Difference? | The Spruce
Vinyl Plank vs Laminate Flooring - A Complete Guide | Floor Critics
Complete Guide to Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring (Plank, Luxury, etc) | Home Advisor
